DEVON, Pa.— The former “Gold Ring” at the Devon Horse Show has been officially renamed as the “Wheeler Ring” in honor of Kenny Wheeler, Senior and his late wife Sallie Wheeler.

The Wheeler family of Virginia has been part of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair for many years, with generations of Wheelers having shown in a variety of divisions including Open Hunter, Hunter Breeding and American Saddlebred.

Kenny is best known for his numerous victories in the breeding classes at Devon, as well as a long career as a hunter trainer, and horses he thandled have been named the “Best Young Horse at Devon” for 34 years in a row.

In addition to being an avid competitor herself, Sallie was a great philanthropist and supporter of the horse show. and both Kenny and Sallie were very much involved in Devon over the decades. so it is only fitting that the “Gold Ring” be renamed in honor of the Wheelers.

“Sallie and Kenny Wheeler demonstrated not only the epitome of horsemanship, but they contributed to the horse show through years of participation, service, and donations," ssaid Devon Horse Show Chairman Wayne W. Grafton. "We proudly rename the “Gold Ring” to the “Wheeler Ring” in honor of their generosity and shared loved of showing horses.”

The official ceremony took place during the last Friday of the 2017 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Kenny and members of the Wheeler family took part in the naming ceremony in Devon’s Dixon Oval.

Proceeding the dedication, over 50 of his family and friends gathered to celebrate Kenny’s 90th birthday with a Devon-themed cake.

A new plaque now informs all spectators and competitors that they are watching champions meet in the “Wheeler Ring.”

Started in 1896, the Devon Horse Show is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States and draws in top competitors from around the world.

The Devon Country Fair, run by more than 2,000 volunteers, offers a variety of boutique shops in miniature cottages, amusement rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.

Proceeds support Bryn Mawr Hospital.